Beset by craving, people run about like
an entrapped hare. Therefore, one who yearns
to be passion-free should destroy one's own craving.

There is one who, turning away from
desire (for household life) takes to the life of the
forest (i.e. of a monk). But after being freed from
the household, one runs back to it. Behold that
person! Though freed, one runs back to that very bondage!

That is not a strong fetter, the wise
say, which is made of iron, wood or hemp. But
the infatuation and longing for jewels and ornaments,
children and spouses--that, they say, is a far
stronger fetter, which pulls one downward and,
though seemingly loose, is hard to remove. This
too the wise cut off. Giving up sensual pleasure,
and without any longing, they renounce the world.

Those who are lust-infatuated fall back
to the swirling current (of samsara) like a spider
on its self-spun web. This too the wise cut off.
Without any longing, they abandon all suffering
and renounce the world.

One who is free from craving and attachment,
perfect in uncovering the true meaning of theTeaching, and knows the arrangement of the
sacred texts in correct sequence--that person,
indeed, is the bearer of a final body. One is
truly called the profoundly wise one, the great person.

A victor am I over all, all have I known,
yet unattached am I to all that is conquered and
known. Abandoning all, I am freed through thedestruction of craving. Having thus directly
comprehended all by myself,
whom shall I call my teacher?

The gift of Dhamma excels all gifts;
the taste of Dhamma excels all tastes; the delight
in Dhamma excels all delights; the Craving-freed
vanquishes all suffering.